A Minstrel Hides

In the background

as I write

I always hear a song

Ringing clear

and ringing true

my wishes to belong

The words composed

in beats of time

with room for me to breathe

Awaiting  

as the meaning sings

for voices to retrieve

In the background

as I write

where letters dance with glee

A minstrel hides

between the lines

my spirit his to free

I’d gladly trade

these phrases inked

for one unfinished tune

To sing upon

the coming wind

—and float my heart’s balloon

(Villanova University: May, 2022)